Kawol SamarQandi × Kensuke Nagano

Kawol SamarQandi / guitar, voice
Kensuke Nagano / guitar

The first improvised dialogue between two highly distinctive guitarists.



Biography:

Kawol SamarQandi -

The first “music” I ever heard was the waves of noise coming through a shortwave radio. I started playing guitar and singing at age 12, began composing at 14, and immersed myself in all kinds of music, from contemporary to folk, launching my career as the eccentric S&SW.
In 1989, he traveled to Tunisia in North Africa, ostensibly “to study classical Arabic music and its instrument, the oud,” and ended up spending about a year traveling and studying around the Mediterranean. After returning to Japan, he participated in numerous recordings, concert tours, and media appearances under various aliases, working as a guitarist, arranger, and sound producer with many artists. He also provided works as a lyricist and composer and composed film music.
In 1997, he established his independent label PLAKA for EARDRUM as a vessel for his work. Entering the 21st century, he distanced himself from commercial music production to dedicate himself to “poor music” born from improvisation using only his clumsy guitar and monologue-like voice. He has released numerous LPs, CDs, and digital albums on various international labels and his own label, featuring collaborations with cutting-edge musicians from Japan and around the world, as well as solo and duo works.
https://kawolsamarqandi88059347.wordpress.com
 

Kensuke Nagano -

Inspired by live performances of Skeleton Crew, Hans Reichel, and Naked City, he played in several bands and units. After that, he stepped away from music for about 30 years, focusing on work, mountain climbing, and living with his cat. Recently, participating in an improv workshop made him feel, “I can still do something,” prompting him to resume his activities. Currently, he primarily performs improvisational music using a direct-wired electric guitar (no effects) with reduced noise components. In his solo live shows, he also experiments with public multi-track recording.
https://on.soundcloud.com/IQh7kboZVdjzoN3ABF